Mbah urges SEDC to build common market

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has urged the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) to develop the region into a common market and focus on shared infrastructure projects.

Mbah made the call on Tuesday while receiving the Board and Management of SEDC at the Government House, Enugu, during the Commission’s stakeholder engagement tour.

He said, “The Southeast Development Commission is an idea whose time has come. We cannot thank the President enough for making this initiative a reality.

“I also see SEDC as a crucial platform to launch major projects and grow the region into a common market.”

With a landmass of less than 30,000 km² and a population exceeding 27 million, Mbah suggested viewing the region as a single market rather than treating states separately.

“We hope SEDC will drive the realisation of this common market concept,” he stated.

He added that treating the Southeast as a common market would prompt critical questions like: “What enablers are needed for seamless movement across cities?

“What key infrastructure will attract significant investment to the region?”

Mbah expressed satisfaction that SEDC was considering a multimodal transport system, including rail lines and superhighways, to enhance investment opportunities.

He pledged full support and cooperation with SEDC, stating that its agenda aligned with his administration’s development goals in Enugu State.

“I believe we are partners in progress and will collaborate to achieve shared objectives.

“In Enugu, we have launched a sector-wide transformative programme. Your plans align with our ongoing initiatives,” Mbah added.

Chairman of SEDC, Chief Chukwuemeka Wogu, and Managing Director, Mr Mark Okoye, represented by Executive Director of Projects, Mr Toby Okechukwu, praised Mbah’s infrastructural achievements.

“Your dedication to health, education, and infrastructure has delivered remarkable results. Your ambitious plans for power and development reflect a clear vision,” Wogu stated.

Okoye added that Mbah’s initiatives had positioned Enugu as an attractive investment destination and a source of hope for its people.

“We acknowledge Enugu’s progress in economic growth, industrialisation, and infrastructure, which aligns with our broader regional aspirations,” he emphasised.

He highlighted several high-impact programmes by SEDC, including the South East Security Intervention Programme and the South East Regional Economic Programme.

Others included the South East Agro-Mechanisation Programme, Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, and a $50 million South East Venture Capital Fund.

SEDC also champions the South East Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme, the Renewed Hope Community Social Impact Programme, and grassroots recreation and leadership initiatives.